Green Phantom Pleco – L200

L200 Green Phantom Pleco (Baryancistrus Demantoides)

The L200 Green Phantom Pleco is a strikingly beautiful freshwater fish. Their body is primarily green, with a gradient that transitions from a lighter shade at the top to a darker, more vibrant hue towards the belly. The fish's fins and tail are adorned with a pattern of white or yellow spots, giving it a truly unique appearance.

The Green Phantom Pleco is suitable for large, mature soft water aquariums. In the wild, they are found in the cracks/interstices between granite rocks amongst fast-flowing waters. Adult Green Phantom Plecos can reach a size of 6 to 8 inches.

Green Phantom Plecos are not shoaling or schooling fish. They are solitary and prefer to have their own space. In a community tank, keeping only one Green Phantom Pleco is recommended to prevent territorial disputes.

The L200 Green Phantom Pleco is generally peaceful and somewhat shy. They tend to be nocturnal, becoming more active during the evening and night. This species is not aggressive but can become territorial with other bottom-dwelling fish, especially those of the same species. Ideal tank mates for the Green Phantom Pleco include peaceful mid to top-dwelling species such as medium to large-sized Tetras, Rainbowfish, and Pencilfish. However, it's best to avoid housing them with aggressive bottom dwellers like some Cichlids or other larger Plecos.

When it comes to diet, the L200 Green Phantom Pleco is an omnivore. It feeds on algae and biofilm in the wild. They should be fed a mainly vegetarian diet in an aquarium with plenty of fiber. Their diet should be supplemented with high-quality algae wafers, sinking pellets, and fresh vegetables such as zucchini, potato, and sweet potato are good foods, along with frozen foods such as brine shrimp and blood worms.

The ideal tank habitat for a Green Phantom Pleco should mimic its natural environment. A fine sand or smooth gravel substrate is recommended, along with plenty of hiding spots created by rocks, driftwood, terracotta pipes, slate, and caves. Live plants can also be included, but they should be sturdy species as the Pleco may dig around them. The lighting should be subdued to help replicate the Pleco's natural habitat.

The Green Phantom Pleco, like many species that naturally live in flowing waters, needs a clean environment to thrive. It's sensitive to the buildup of organic waste, so maintaining pristine water conditions is crucial for its well-being. The water should have brisk movement and a high level of dissolved oxygenation. This can be achieved by using a mix of canister filters and powerheads. Regular water changes are another key aspect of care for this species. Changing 40-70% of the water weekly is a good practice to follow. This routine helps keep the water fresh and clean, contributing to the overall health and happiness of your Green Phantom Pleco.

The water parameters for keeping a Green Phantom Pleco are specific. The minimum aquarium size for one Pleco is 55 gallons, but a larger community aquarium of at least 75 gallons is ideal. The water pH should be kept between 6.0 to 7.5, with a 5-15 dGH hardness range. The temperature should be maintained between 75-82°F (24-28°C).

In conclusion, the Green Phantom Pleco is a unique and beautiful addition to any peaceful freshwater aquarium. With the right care, diet, and environment, this stunning fish can thrive and become a standout in your aquatic community.